After the Carling Cup defeat to Tottenham on Wednesday night, it’s back to League action and a trip to the Reebok Stadium to face Bolton Wanderers.
Having made ten changes for the Spurs’ defeat Rafa Benitez’s team will be fit and fresh for a match they have often struggled in in recent times.
Last season the Reds recorded their first win at the Reebok under Benitez, running out 3-1 victors courtesy of goals from Gerrard, Babel and Aurelio, a similar result would prove just the tonic after the Spurs defeat.
Benitez has one selection headache with right back Alvaro Arbeloa suspended having picked up five yellows already this season and deputy Philipp Degen having picked up a foot injury against Spurs ruling him out for a month. The manager must decide whether to give youngster Stephen Darby his League debut or possibly deploy Jamie Carragher at full back – as he did in this fixture last season – meaning keeping Hyypia and Agger together in the centre.
Another option is switching to three at the back with Dirk Kuyt as the right sided wing back. It is highly likely Benitez will want Carragher in the middle of defence, especially after the performance at Spurs. One man sure to come in is Fabio Aurelio for Dossena.
Provisional squad: Reina, Darby, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Riera, Kuyt, Torres, Keane, Cavalieri, Hyypia, Benayoun, Babel, Lucas, Dossena, El Zhar.
Kick off is 12:45pm, live on Sky Sports.
